April 2015 Newsletter - Peace Lutheran Church

The Peace Messenger
Peace Lutheran Church
2090 Commerce Drive
North Mankato MN 56003
Worship Schedule
4/1/15 – 5/10/15
Sundays 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.
Wednesdays
No Services
Bible Class & Sunday School
9:45 a.m.
Serving Peace
Pastor Tim Hartwig
Office – 507-385-1386
Cell – 507-382-6826
[email protected]
Office - Karen Wold
[email protected]
Church Council
President:
Eric Woller
Vice President:
Chris Harstad
Secretary:
Matt Riehl
Spiritual Leadership:
Paul Fries
Christian Education:
Ted Manthe
Property Management:
Jim Howson
Stewardship:
Brian Koch
Gospel Outreach:
Nick Peters
Jesus’ Lambs Preschool
Joslyn Moldstad 385-7752
[email protected]
Crossed - Youth Group
www.peacemankato.org/crossed
[email protected]
Special Interest Dates
2nd
Maundy Thursday 6:30p
Worship w/ Holy Communion
3rd Good Friday Worship 6:30p
5th Easter Sunrise Worship
Service 6:30a
Easter Breakfast 7-8:30a
Easter Festival Service 9a
Easter Egg Hunt 10a
13thWomen’s Bible Study 6:30p
21st
Council Meeting 6:30p
Newsletter
April 2015
From the Lowest Low to the Highest High
If you’ve ever been to Machu
Picchu in Peru, chances are you
were warned about the possibility
of altitude sickness. Many trips to
Machu Picchu begin in Lima, Peru,
which is at sea level. Then you fly
to Cusco, Peru, which is at an
altitude of over 12,000 feet.
Going from sea level to
12,000 feet in under
two hours does not
give your body much
time to adjust, and
many people suffer
some ill effects from
going from such a low
spot to such a high
spot.
It’s just the opposite when you
think about the trip from Good
Friday to Easter. On Good Friday,
Jesus died. The very Son of God
took on himself the sins of the
entire world—our sins—and was
nailed to a cross to pay the penalty
demanded by God. What a low
spot! Many of Jesus’ followers
even lost hope since they thought
Jesus had come to this
world as a victorious Savior, not a
dying criminal.
But the highest of all high spots
came three days later! On Easter,
Jesus showed he had defeated
death by rising from the dead. His
rising from the dead was proof
that God had accepted
Jesus’ sacrifice on the
cross as payment for
our sins. What’s more,
Jesus’
resurrection
from the dead means
that someday we too
will rise from the
dead. The apostle Paul
wrote in his first letter to the
Corinthians, “For as in Adam all die,
so also in Christ shall all be made
alive” (1 Cor. 15:22; ESV).
Because of our many sins, we are
supposed to die…eternally. That’s
the low. But because of Jesus’
death and resurrection, we have
heaven waiting for us. That’s a high
that cannot be beat!
Board for Home Outreach
Council Meeting Minutes – March 17, 2015
The Mission & Ministry Coordination Council (MMCC) meeting of Peace Lutheran Church was held on March 17,
2015, at Peace. Council members present were: Pastor Hartwig, Eric Woller – President, Chris Harstad – Vice
President, Paul Fries – Spiritual Leadership, Ted Manthe – Christian Education, Nick Peters – Gospel Outreach, Brian
Koch – Stewardship, Jim Howson – Property Management, Matt Riehl - Secretary. Absent and excused:
 Announcements - None.
 Agenda – Agenda was approved.
 Minutes of Previous Meeting – Approved.
 Pastor’s Report (Pastor Hartwig)
 Finished February averaging 300 per service (MVL Choir helped). YTD average is 261 (255 last year).
 Looking ahead: March 21, Church cleaning; March 28, North Mankato door hanging.
 Released from membership: Brown, Doug and Tarisa (Benjamin, William, Luke); Jordan, Jeremy;
Meyer, Nicole.
 Spiritual Leadership (Coordinator ~ Paul Fries)
 Two Lenten services left, then Holy Week.
 Discussing ways to use the Vicar and future plans. May 13 th is call day for the vicar.
 Gospel Outreach (Coordinator ~ Nick Peters)
 Door hanger project coming up and Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday.
 Christian Education (Coordinator ~ Ted Manthe)
 Discussing who will be Youth Group Leader.
 VBS budget discussion.
 Stewardship (Coordinator ~ Brian Koch)
 Total offering $219,290 actual; $228,000 ytd budgeted; currently at 94% of budget.
 Preschool is at 112% budget, but several families have paid in advance for the year.
 Property Management (Coordinator ~ Jim Howson)
 No Report.
 Motion to approve reports is made, seconded and passed.
 Old Business
 None.
 New Business
 Membership Changes: Additions: Baptism (3): Dlugiewicz, Layla; Evers, Mason; Smith, Ellie. Transfer
(13): Inniger, Benji and Alyssa; Lundsten, Joseph; Runke, Justin; Smayling, Kristina; Smith, Abbie
(Brecken, Carly, Cullen); Wierschke, Joshua and Alison; Wiley, Micah and Malia. Released from
membership (7): Brown, Doug and Tarisa (Benjamin, William, Luke); Jordan, Jeremy; Meyer, Nicole.
MMSP
 Keyboard usage: A request has been made to allow Alison Wierschke to use the electric keyboard
during the year until such time as she able to purchase a keyboard. The keyboard is used by the
congregation for the outdoor services (typically 3 each summer). It would be returned on Friday
before the outdoor services, the loan would include the stand and pedals. The loan would be for one
year. A motion is made to allow Alison Wierschke to borrow the electric keyboard, stand and pedals
for a period of one year from today and to be returned on Friday before each outdoor service or at the
request of the Church or church representatives. Allison assumes responsibility for replacement if the
keyboard is lost or damaged. MMSP.

Convention Delegates: Kincaid Smith and Paul Fries are nominated to represent Peace Lutheran
Church at the convention in June 2015. MMSP.

Service change from summer year to fall schedule due to changes in BLC opening schedules: There will
be no change to the date we change from summer (one service) to fall (two services). There will be
two services on August 23rd, as scheduled.

Update from Building Committee: Last meeting focused on finance. A maximum loan amount of
about 1.5 million might be possible. First phase of building might be to add classroom and
multipurpose space, phase two would be adding worship space. Phase one could cost 1 million, phase
two might be 0.5 to 1 million. Phase three would add office space. Fundraising firms have been
contacted (firms that specialize in helping churches raise funds). Selection of architects will begin
soon.
 Next council meeting – April 21st @ 6:30 pm.
MM = Motion Made
MMS = Motion Made Seconded
 Adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer
MMSP = Motion Made Seconded Passed
Respectfully Submitted, Matthew Riehl, Secretary
MMCC = Mission and Ministry Coordinating Council
3/29 Palm Sunday
8:30AM
Divine Service
10:45AM
Divine Service
4/2 Maundy Thursday
6:30PM
Divine Service
with Holy Communion
4/3 Good Friday
6:30PM
Tenebrae Service
4/5 Easter Sunday
6:30AM
Sunrise Service
7:30AM
Easter Breakfast
9:00AM
Festival Service
10:00AM
Easter Egg Hunt
For many years now, the Peace Softball Team
has done a wonderful job preparing and
serving our Easter breakfast. This year will
be no different as far as the wonderful meal is
concerned.
The free-will donation will go to the
Building Fund this year.
We look forward to serving you breakfast and
hope you will join us in donating to the
Building Fund.
The softball season begins on Monday
evening, April 27th. We hope you will come
and cheer us on this season!
Please welcome our new Members – Joshua Hoflock; David & Trisha Homan, Jack;
Benji & Alyssa Inniger; Ezra & Sarah Jones, Cora; Jon Michaletz; Corey & Ashley
Olsen, Lillian, Elijah; Justin Runke; Abbie Smith, Brecken, Carly, Cullen; Kristina
Smayling; Jessica Smith; James Wentzlaff; Larry & Stephanie Wentzlaff; Joshua &
Alison Wierschke; Micah & Malia Wiley
Ellie Marie, daughter of Craig & Jessica Smith
Layla Mae, daughter of Ben & Cassy Dlugiewicz
Mason James, son of Brandon and Jodi Evers
Moms on a Mission (M.O.M.s)
Moms supporting moms in raising godly children
2 Timothy 3:14-15 But as for you, continue in what you
have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom
you learned it and how from childhood you have been
acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make
you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
On Sunday, April 29th, the MOMs bible study group will have a bake sale between services to raise
money for childcare expenses. M.O.M.s employ Bethany Lutheran College students to care for the
children while the moms meet for bible study and fellowship. M.O.M.s now has over 30 members. We have
been meeting at Peace for our spring session and average about 20 moms each week for bible study and 25 or so
children.
For one session of M.O.M.s (11 bible studies) we spend over $500 in childcare. Your free will donation at our
upcoming bake sale will help us raise funds for the childcare costs for our Fall Session which will begin September
16, 2015.
M.O.M.s meets on Wednesday mornings from 8:15-10:00am. Fellowship is first, followed by bible study at 8:45.
Childcare is provided. All moms and children welcome at any time. The current spring session runs through
Wednesday, April 29th. Contact Kristen Lukasek with any questions at [email protected].
Serving the month of April:
Altar/Communion preparation
2nd Karen Wold
12th Karen Tetzloff & Karen Wold
26th Danielle Geistfeld & Amanda Madson
Communion Assistants
2nd
6:30pm
Paul Fries
8:30am
10:45am
Paul Wold
Tom Kuster
12
th
Jason
DeWitt
David Ring
26
Ushers
Ryan Lussky
2nd 6:30pm
Derick Lyngholm
Steve Matthes
3rd 6:30pm
Ben Moldstad
Tim Paulsen
5th 6:30am
Nick Peters
John Moldstad
9:00am
Rob Pipal
8:30am
10:45am
Pete Schuch
Matt Riehl
th
12
Tom Schulz
Eric Woller
John Tetzloff
Al Clennon
19th Eric Theiste
Terry Field
Scott
Trautman
Bob Geving
26th Keith Wiederhoeft Adie Harstad
Counters
st
1 Sunday: Brian Koch & Todd Olsen
2nd Sunday: Orrin Ausen & Brad Wosmek
3rd Sunday: Danielle Geistfeld & Chris Harstad
4th Sunday: Brian Koch & Matt Riehl
5th Sunday: Karen Wold & TBD
th
FILE CABINET NEEDED - Peace has
come into possession of a large quantity
of excellent church choral music,
donated by a sister WELS congregation in
Minneapolis. This is a true blessing...but we
don't have a cabinet to store the music.
Perhaps you have a file cabinet at home that
you're not using and that you could offer for
this purpose. If so, please contact Susan Lepak
at 386-0853 or [email protected]
Happy
Birthday!
Sammy Ringen
Jakob Hermanson
Mallory Novak
Abigail Hartwig
Jeremiah Lukasek
Benny Ringen
4/08
4/10
4/10
4/23
4/26
4/26
4 years old
8 years old
5 years old
9 years old
2 years old
2 years old
Also – Nicole Moldstad, Chris Harstad,
Annette Schmeling, Alisha Schuch,
John Moldstad, Jim Howson, Matt Lange,
Brian Koch, Brad Wosmek, Ben Geistfeld,
Casey Ohotto, Anne Hackbarth-Arnold,
Leslee Ausen, James Wentzlaff,
Brittany Moldstad, Brady Tetzloff, Eric Theiste,
Katherine Kjeer, Mike Harting, Gloria Loe,
Kjirstyn Smith, Deb Hoverson
May the Lord bless you,
today and always.
Anniversaries:
Josh & Paula Manthe
Paul & Karen Wold
Terry Field & Julie Henry
4/12/08
4/13/91
4/27/07
7 years
24 years
8 years
Congratulations!
May the Lord continue to bless you
and may your Christian marriage serve as an inspiration
to others.
Volunteers Sought
Peace is looking for volunteers to run the video
equipment for worship services. If you can help,
please get in touch with Paul Fries (507-381-6807;
[email protected]).
PIANO BENCH FOR SALE - Recently, Peace acquired a new bench for the sanctuary piano,
one that is adjustable, sturdier and larger, and therefore more adaptable to a wider range of
use. The bench was purchased with extra monies from the new piano fundraiser of a few
years ago. The bench that came with the piano is now for sale. If you're interested, contact
Susan Lepak at 386-0853 or [email protected] for details.
Jesus’ Lambs at Peace Preschoolers are enjoying an early spring and getting
outside more to use the bikes and outside toys. If you have any working trikes,
pails, shovels, etc. which you would like to be put to really good use, please don’t
hesitate to call.
Our Preschool Open House will be Tuesday, March 31st, 6-8 p.m. We could use your
talents, abilities and smiling face for face-painting, helping with crafts, games, food and the
Registration Table. We are very excited to have Dr. Matt Riehl make ice cream in a very
special way and we also welcome the Bethany Lutheran College education students.
The students will perform a skit for the children. This is always a busy evening of fun for the
children. If you would like to simply come and visit with parents or play with the children, we would
love your help. This will be our first Open House to show off our new area. At present it is Fun with
Grocery Shopping and Home. A few volunteers for that area would really help. Also, if you have a
great idea for our Open House, please share it and call 385-7752. We hope that you can help!
Many thanks to Pastor Paul Fries for taping our play, Pinocchio and also all of the times we
sing in church. Parents have been able to tell their families to access our play through our
website. If you would also like to view our play, just visit us at our peacemankato.com
website. Also, Missy Vandermause has put together a video about our preschool. To view
the video, just visit us on Facebook, and leave a comment too. Special thanks to our teacher, Heidi
Riehl, and subs, Emily Klammer and Dawn Waletski, and to Amanda Madson for writing music and the
hours of practice with our little ones. Thanks to all for your support of our Jesus’ Lambs at Peace
Preschool.
CROSSED – faith, fun, and fellowship time!
APRIL DATES & EVENTS
Crossed is excited for another year, and is inviting all youth between 7th and 12th grade to join
us on Sunday evenings from 6:15 to 8:30.
This year, we will also be doing things a little differently and at least once every month we
will have a longer afternoon activity. Stay tuned for more details!
We hope you’ll use this experience to connect with God and connect with others.
April 5 - There will be NO CROSSED tonight. Enjoy your Easter celebration with
your family by sharing time in The Word together. Devotional material
is posted on the CROSSED board if you are interested
April 12 - CROSSED is meeting tonight from 6:15 to 8:30. Tonight’s clue: “Cha Ching”.
April 19 - CROSSED is meeting tonight from 6:15 to 8:30pm at the WOW Zone.
We will be going bowling. The cost is $3 per person. Bring a friend
along!
April 26 - CROSSED is meeting tonight from 6:15 to 8:30pm. We will be outdoors weather
permitting- get ready for games that were at your leaders’ childhood parties.
Any questions, call Josh Mayer at 402-517-5468 or Matt Wiechmann at 507-382-7287.
Are you unable to care for your feet? Your church
home is offering a service to help you care for your
feet and toenails. By appointment, a registered nurse,
using sanitary equipment, will soak and wash your
feet, trim toenails, and finish with a lotion foot
massage. If the nurse feels further medical attention
is needed, she may suggest an appointment with your
health care provider. This service is free; however,
donations will be accepted to go to a church cause.
For more information, or to set up an appointment,
please call Amy Jo Reiner at 507-340-2061.
To watch our services live, go to:
www.peacemankato.com/live-streaming.
The service will start automatically when it is
live (8:30AM).
For recorded services, go to
www.vimeo.com/peacemankato and you
can choose which service you want to watch.
The Mankato chapter of the Bethany Auxiliary will host its annual tea honoring the Bethany
College women graduates of the current academic year on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. The tea
will take place at the home of Pres. and Mrs. Dan Bruss, 128 W. Glencrest Dr. Any woman
interested in attending is most welcome to join us in congratulating these young women for
completing their undergraduate programs. A short business meeting will follow the tea.
Music and More 2015
is on the calendar!
Last year's trial run of this event was a great success, and we are looking forward to its
encore this year. So set aside Sunday, May 31, to come and enjoy an hour or so of
entertainment and socializing. Beginning at 3:00PM, you will be treated to a showcase
of “home-grown” talent, presented by members of Peace Lutheran. The program is
intended to focus primarily on music of all kinds, but non-musical entries (the “More”
of Music and More) also are encouraged. The latter might include poetry or essay
readings, story-telling, even visual art—such as photography, sketching, painting, etc.
If you'd like to participate, please contact Susan Lepak (386-0853) or Amanda Madson
(345-5912) by April 19th.
Jan-Feb
Mar-Apr
May-Jun
Jul-Aug
Sep-Oct
Nov-Dec
Seasonal Church Cleaning
Date
Groups
March 21
3
&
6
June 13
2
&
5
November 21
1
&
4
Refreshments
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Lenten Meals
Date
Group
March 4
6
March 11
1
March 18
2
March 25
3
Greeters
Group 4
Group 5
Group 6
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Funerals
Group 3
Group 6
Group 2
Group 5
Group 4
Group 1
Advent Meals
Date
Group
December 2
4
December 9
5
December 16
6
Just a reminder of the option you have of using “electronic giving” for
making your regular church offerings. Contributions can be debited
automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your
credit or debit card. The electronic giving program offers convenience for you
and much needed donation consistency for our congregation.
If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or
prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending
services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis.
If you think you might be interested, please contact either Karen Wold or Keith Wiederhoeft for a
“Frequently Asked Questions” flyer. It is now possible for you to set it up yourself by going to our
website, www.peacemankato.org, clicking on the “Give now” box and putting in your information. You
can choose how often you donate (weekly, monthly, certain date(s), etc.).
The following was taken from
‘Martin Luther’s Little Instruction Book’:
Sunday School
and
Adult Bible Study
HOPE FOR THE BEST
“In all matters we should hope and pray
for the best; nevertheless, we should be
prepared for the worst.”
†
†
†
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a
longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12
Sunday School and Adult Bible Study classes
are held at 9:45 AM.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend.
Volunteers are the reason that New 2 You Family Thrift is able to make
quarterly donations for Christian Education to MVL and New 2 You
association churches.
Volunteers can be anyone high school age and older. Normal Volunteer time
slots are 9:00-1:00 & 1:00-5:00 Weekdays and Saturdays 9:45-12:30 & 12:30-3:00
(other times can be arranged). You can volunteer once or twice a month or
weekly if you wish! If you are able to volunteer please either stop by the store at
1838 Commerce Drive or call them at 385-1455. The New 2 You Board of
Directors and the store staff thank you!
Also, remember that donating items to the store and shopping
at New 2 You are additional ways that you can help support
New 2 You's donations for Christian Education.
Offering envelopes for 2015 are available to take home. Please stop by the table in
the entryway and get your box.
From Martin Luther’s Little Instruction Book:
GIVING GENEROUSLY:
“God divided the hand into fingers so that money would slip through.”
“Give, and it will be given to you…For whatever measure you deal out to others, it
will be dealt to you in return.” Luke 6:38
Newer Members – If you haven’t filled out the Membership Profile Questionnaire and
the Time & Talent Sheet please ask Karen Wold or Pastor Hartwig for the forms.
If other members wish to update their Time & Talent Sheet, please ask Karen Wold or
Pastor Hartwig for the form.